Fairfax 4.0T

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I get pad deposits from my track pads on my slotted Stoptech rotors from one day of track use. Pagid Orange pads had horrible build-up. So, I switched to Porterfield R4 full race compounds, but I got deposits from track use of these also. Pads are being properly bedded. Rotors are sanded down to remove any hint of deposits, and work well without build-up from the Axxis Ultimate street pads.

I used Porterfield R4 pads in my stock brakes (not slotted, not drilled pre-StopTech) for at least 12 days without any deposits. But, the Stoptech slotted rotors are killing me with deposits.

Has anybody experienced this issue with Stoptech slotted rotors at the track? What track pad have people had good luck with?<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/brakes/threads/510.phtml#2061">Post on Brake Forum</a></li></ul>

OCDboy

I've been through quite a few pads now including Pagid Orange, Pagid Black, and Cobalt SpecVR's for track use.

I do get deposits on the pads from track use and had a few times when I get some vibration and have to go re-bed pads. It usually cleans things up. I've noticed it is a bigger problem with when the pads are new but goes away after some "heat cycles". Not sure how big of a problem you are having at this point.

The bigger problem I've encountered is switching back to the Axis Ultimates and cooking the old track compound off. There is always diminished performance for a few days but I just have to be aware of it. I actually really hate the ultimates but am trying to use them up before replacing with most likely some pagid blues for street use.

Overall have you been happy with the Stoptechs?

Have you talked to Ed about this?

Fairfax 4.0T

I have been working with Ed, and his recommendation has been to avoid the Pagid Orange pads (which is what I started with). I had hoped that the the Porterfield R4 pads would solve all problems, because they worked great on my stock set-up.

Since I run the engine in stock mode on the track, I never really had a problem with brake fade, even with the stock brakes. I'm thinking that the problem is that the slots are scraping a tiny bit of material from the pads, and that is what is contributing to the deposit build-up. Maybe it is unavoidable with slotted rotors, but I have not heard other people complain about this issue.

I never had any deposits running unslotted rotors. So, my debate now is whether to switch to unslotted rotors. I'm wondering how much braking performance I'm giving up by going to unslotted/undrilled rotors?

Actually, I'm not thrilled with the Stoptechs because of this deposit buildup issue, and Stoptech has not been helpful. I got more information from your post above indicating your getting deposits with different pads then I have gotten from Stoptech.

Jim

Ming 2.7T

Put them on Run the car for 5 minutes and then take them off, they are so abrasive they will clean that rotor right up. Then ship em back.

DOing this from memory so will have to check this out again. I thought DWP did this once.

Fairfax 4.0T

Plus, they throw metal grindings all over the side of the car. As I was in the process of doing this, it started to rain and the metal shavings rusted and stuck to the side of my car. Really made a mess of things.

Fairfax 4.0T

Ming, by the way, what pads/brakes/rotors do you run? Do you have any deposit problems?

OCDboy

First on pads...I agree about the Orange pads...They were nice starters. I've been happy with the SpecVR's and Pagid Blacks. I know a bunch of people like the ferodo 3000's but have not tried them yet.

I met a gentleman from Stoptech out here at the SCCA Runoffs in sept. They had a tent setup and he seemed very knowledgable about brakes. I dropped by with my old rotors to get his opinion if I replaced them too soon (answer was no). I'll send you his email address off line.

On rotors. I'm not an expert by any stretch but I truly believe you need either slotted or drilled rotors for performance driving. Primarily because of the need for release of gas pressures. If you go to a stardard rotor I'd think you would be asking for trouble in a DE.

The slots are really like cheese graters to the pads. I drive pretty hard and get about 8-10 days out of a set of pads. I think it is what it is. They can get pretty good shudders but that is pad materials and heating.

I've only had a couple of minor incidences (fade) that resulted me in the grass or gravel traps (Road America this year). Frankly, it wasn't necessarily the brakes but more likely just late braking into the corners...weeeeeee.

I've been given a hard time by the Brembo followers, but I'm happy with them.

RLG

As Kris said, you want to stick with a rotor that will vent gasses from the surface. The rotors themselves are not the problem and the slots are not the cause of the deposits.

I've used Pagid (Orange), Ferodo DS3000, PFC01 and Hawk 9012 compounds on the track when I was running my Stoptechs. In my experience, the Pagid oranges are not the best match for our cars. My preference has been the Ferodo DS3000s (a really great pad), followed by the Performance Friction 01s (which I like less, but which are hardier in terms of pad life).

Out of curiosity, how hard are you on your brakes? Do you tend to brake early in the braking zones with lighter pedal pressure, or do you always go deep into the braking zones and really get on it?

I ask because I've noticed in the past that brake judder problems seemed to come about when either a) I overheated a particular compound (like when running DS2500's on the track), or when b) I've been "soft" on the pedal in high-heat situations.

By the latter, I mean that brake judder / deposits seemed to be more of an issue when I wasn't getting on the pedal as much (light rather than threshold braking) after the rotors and pads are already heated up. That is, consistant LIGHT braking with HOT pads and rotors has seemed to result in pad deposits and brake judder.

Not sure if it makes sense, but maybe the light pressure allows more of a smearing effect whereas consistant heavy / threshold braking provides the bite that precludes the deposits from forming. Just a thought - maybe way off base and maybe totally wrong. Curious to hear anyone else's thoughts on this...

Anyhow, have had plenty of success with the Hawk, Ferodo, and PFC pads in Stoptech calipers with slotted rotors. Again, I don't think it's the slotted rotors that are the cause of the deposits - plenty of evidence to the contrary, so I think you can rule that one out. It's got to be something else...

Good luck,

R


P.S. I've got some PFC's and Hawk Blue's for sale if you're interested (good as new - check my sig...)